Balance is one of the essential principles of art and design, along with line, shape, color, value, space, form, and texture. It focuses on how elements of a work of art are arranged to create visual equilibrium so that one side does not appear heavier or imbalanced.
There are three types of balance in art and design: symmetrical, asymmetrical, and radial.
- Symmetrical balance is when both sides of the composition are identical or nearly identical.
- Asymmetrical balance is when the sides are different but still appear balanced.
- Radial balance is when elements are equally spaced around a central point.
Balance is important in art and design because it can make a composition appear stable or unstable. A stable composition feels calm and harmonious, while an unstable composition feels tense and dynamic.
Creating balance in a work of art is often a matter of trial and error. The artist or designer must experiment with different arrangements of elements until the desired effect is achieved.
